‘Bring Your Own Device’ initiative maximizes students’ access to information technology

Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario’s ‘Bring Your Own Device’ initiative known as AVAN (Apportez votre appareil numérique) provides its students with yet another advantage as they prepare to succeed in a world in which information technology plays a dominant role.

AVAN is an open network that provides students, staff and guests with a secure connection to the Internet at no cost while allowing them to use their personal device or any one of the hundreds of devices available in their school. A secure cloud-based environment, Google Apps Education, provides access to a wide array of tools that foster communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

The network provides countless educational opportunities for students, such as producing videos, interactive presentations, podcasts, videoconferences and simulations, doing research on the Web, accessing educational resources and much more. Filters and other security measures protect users against malware and block access to inappropriate sites.

Thorough the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s ‘ASL’ and ‘4th dimension’ initiatives, all students in grades 9 to 12 are provided with a portable computer. In primary level classes, students have access to mobile computer carts or computer labs. In intermediate and middle-level classes, mobile computer carts with Chromebooks and portable computers are made available in classrooms. All classrooms are equipped with a smartboard. Even at the pre-school level, many tablets are available in every class.

The AVAN program enhances the richness of this technological environment by allowing students to derive educational advantages from their own familiar device which is so present in their lives. In a connected world, their school lets them learn to use technology efficiently, securely and respectfully.

Recognized for its keen sense of innovation and openness to the world, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord offers a French-language public education of the highest quality in eleven elementary schools and eight secondary schools in the communities of Markstay, Noëlville, Greater Sudbury, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Marathon, Manitouwadge and Longlac.